Is Hard Water Causing Your Bad Skin & Eczema?
Working from home or spending more time indoors? While there are perks—like late starts and lunch in your own kitchen—there are also unexpected downsides, like rising utility bills and surprising changes to your skin and hair health.
If you've noticed dryness, irritation, or dull hair, the cause might not be your products—it could be your water, Is Hard Water Causing Your Bad Skin & Eczema?
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as water travels through limestone and chalk underground.
While it's safe to drink, hard water can cause a range of problems for your home and health—especially in hard water areas of the UK.
Common Signs of Hard Water:
- White limescale on taps and appliances
- Soap scum on shower screens and tiles
- Dry, tight, or itchy skin after washing
- Brittle, frizzy, or dull hair
How Hard Water Affects Your Skin
Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits on your skin after washing. Over time, this can damage your skin’s natural barrier, making it more sensitive to everyday products like soaps, detergents, and even skincare.
Effects of Hard Water on Skin:
- Dry, flaky or irritated skin
- Increased eczema flare-ups
- Blocked pores and acne
- Reduced effectiveness of skincare products
A study by researchers at the University of Sheffield and London found that hard water can disrupt the skin’s protective layer, leaving it vulnerable to allergens and irritants.
What About Your Hair?
Your hair can suffer too. Hard water interferes with shampoo and conditioner, leaving a film that weighs hair down and prevents proper cleansing.
Effects of Hard Water on Hair:
- Frizz and dryness
- Dandruff and itchy scalp
- Lack of shine and manageability
- Breakage and damage over time
Even the best salon products may struggle to work properly if your water is to blame.
Creams and Treatments Aren’t the Solution
While moisturisers, scalp treatments and medicated shampoos may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root problem—your water.
If you're treating your skin and hair externally but still washing with hard water every day, you're fighting an uphill battle.
The Long-Term Fix: Install a Water Softener
The most effective solution to dry skin and hair caused by hard water is to install a water softener system in your home or property.
A water softener filters out calcium and magnesium minerals before they reach your taps, so you’re left with soft, gentle water that’s kinder to your body and appliances.
Benefits of Soft Water:
- Softer, more hydrated skin
- Shinier, healthier-looking hair
- Less reliance on heavy moisturisers or scalp products
- Improved lather and performance from soaps and shampoos
- Reduced limescale build-up in your home
Choosing the Right Water Softener
Not all softeners are created equal. Many online models are outdated or low quality. Systems or electric softeners (e.g., Water2Buy) may seem affordable but often come with maintenance issues, poor performance and high running costs that add up to way more than you would pay with a quality Harvey system.
At NE Water Softeners, we supply the UK’s leading non-electric water softeners, trusted by commercial and domestic customers alike. We’ll help you find the best system for your property, with expert advice and full installation support.
Get in Touch
If you're ready to improve your water quality and protect your skin and hair, speak to our team today.
📞 Call us on 01429 872 522
📩 Or enquire online here